New to me truck recommendation

[kenboy]

2nd the dura max with Allison tranny for your application

 

[jsparks747]

Well the time has come for a new/new to me truck. I do have some criteria as my budget is not unlimited and I have a serious need to be able to tow frequently with some solid reliability. 30k is the target price range but have room to work if needed. The trailer is a 30 foot artic fox (14K+ lbs loaded) bumper pull that will be pulled all over the western US frequently the next few years. Don't care what brand of truck and can live with an extended cab. Any suggestions?

I would say Ford F-350 Bulletproof. I saw one yesterday on craigslist for about 20K.

 

[CoastRange57]

Run as Far away from ford ecoboost as possible

I am a life long Ford owner, but my son bought one of those over priced, over rated passenger car clone pickup wanna bed and I have to agree with you. It is nothing more than a glorified 4wd passenger car.

 

[Who The F R U]

F350 dually with bags + extended cab,bed.
Can hold 5600lbs in the bed, We haul 12-14k lbs of ammo twice a year down to Arizona with no problem's in our trailer.

 

[Goosebrown]

if it were me id buy an '06-'07 silverado with the LBZ duramax. just my .02

That sure sounds like a truck with a condom to me...

 

[Cloudrnnr]

Contrary to a couple of other opinions, I'm a Dodge fan, but that is because I bought a 2006 2500 quad cab, 4x4 with a 5.9 Cummins back in 2010 from a farmer that had used it to pull his 5th wheel a couple of years, then parked it in a barn with 50,000 miles. It now has 140,000, and almost every mile since my purchase has been towing. I have had the ball joints replaced once, and the pressure solenoid and governer in auto transmission replaced twice--once after my wife boiled the transmission, the second time to clean up the sloppy repair work done the first time. Both failures put me in limp mode, but I was able to get home. My biggest problem with the truck is the posted GVWR. I don't know what year the regs changed, but 3/4 tons were federally regulated to only be rated at <9000lbs for quite a while. That means that although the only difference between my 2500 and the same year 3500 single rear wheel is one overload leaf, I'm rated at 1000lbs less. Take the Cummins, add 4x4, a long bed, and front and rear steel Ranch Hand bumpers, and my legal usable payload is less than $1000lbs in the bed.

Now, on to decisions. In your price range, you should be looking at Dodge and Chevy diesels, or all models with gas. Although I have diesel, I'm fairly agnostic about it. The gas engines in heavy trucks (Dodge Hemi, Ford V-10, Chevy 6.8) have improved in their torque and longevity considerably over the years. The fuel cost of diesels disappeared with highly processed low-sulfur fuels became the requirement, and was even more diminished when DEF requirements came along (2008ish, depending on the manufacturer). Even Cummins' and early Powerstroke (7.3) high mpg numbers disappeared along with new all the new emissions schemes. New, diesels add anywhere from a $5-10,000 premium to the cost. Used, it tends to be even more. MX costs are higher overall with the diesel, more wear and tear on the truck front end as well. Less weight available for payload due to truck weight (although the torque numbers may support the load).

So, every model has issues. Ford: First generation V-10 tended to have issues with blowing spark plugs and they are a b*+@h to get to. The diesel 6.0 Powerstroke (2003-2007) is a huge lump of nightmare wrapped in a mx bill. I had one in an Excursion that left me and other owner stranded beside the road 4 times with less than 100k miles on it. My buddy is a MX supervisor for Ford. His opinion is that the only engine worse than the 6.0 Powerstroke was the 6.4 that replaced it (2007-2010). Look around at the number of 2003-2010 Ford diesels on the market that are advertising new engines or "bullet-proofed" engines. Tells you something. Their new engine seems to be considerable better, and the new Fords have a great interior, IMHO. Unfortunately, if you really want diesel, a 2011+ is going to be pushing your price range. My father worked for Ford for 30 years, and I love them...but their MX design and practices over the past decade and a half put me into a Dodge. I mean, come on, remove/lift the cab and body to get to the engine?

Dodge: Hemi is a fantastic engine. The Cummins is a fantastic engine. Prior to 2008, the Dodge automatic transmission is weak. It can be improved, but it was not built to withstand the torque numbers on the diesel. After 2008, there was an optional transmission that could handle the load, can't recall the model designation. With the manual, they will pull houses--but you still have to watch the combined gross weight ratings for legality. Dodge interiors have improved over the years, but their electrical systems have gone down hill from what I have seen. It is actually true with all of the brands. More and more electronics, more and more computer management of engine functions, and more and more sensors mean more and more potential failures. From 2002-2008, Dodge was pretty weak on ball joints--not sure how much improved the newer models are. I do know the 6.7 Cummins (mid-2007 and beyond) is going in nearly every entry to mid level diesel motorhome on the market--backed by Allison transmissions.

Allison brings us to GM. For years, you could not have given me a GM. The interiors put me off and the quality just seemed like crap. That said, I have friends that had Yukons for years, towed well beyond what was legal, and never had a hiccup. I ended up with a 2007 Corvette that totally changed my opinion of GM. When it comes time to replace my truck, they will get a hard look. Of the three major mid-weight truck producers, GM is the only one that produces a fairly high number of gasoline 1 ton duallys. That makes a difference to me because it means higher payload capacity on the truck, but it may not matter for your trailer. The Duramax diesel is a great engine, although early models had some overheating issues that caused warped heads. The Allison is...well, an Allison. There is none better. My ideal diesel truck would be a Ford body with a Cummins engine backed by an Allison tranny. Interiors are much improved after 2008. In reality, a low mileage early Powerstroke Ford (prior to 2003), or a mid-2000s Dodge or GM is a good choice.

But only if I were going diesel. If I were going gas, it would be as late a model of any of the big 3 as I could get for my price with the options and payload I needed (but I would lean toward GM)

Some recommendations concerning your evaluation. Check your comfort levels. Seats, ergonomics for reaching gadgets, electronics familiarity and ease of use. Run it up to highway speed and check noise levels, both under load, at idle, and at cruise. Weigh the truck! (and your trailer). Posted weights mean nothing in the real world, Nearly every truck and camper/travel trailer is well over advertised weights. Check that the truck was actually set up to tow with a transmission cooler, any brake changes, and the right hitch. If you can find a truck with full mx records, rejoice! A long bed/extended cab will eat more of your weight, but the longer wheelbase will be more stable in tow situations. Ditto for a dually. 4x4 if you are going to do off-road or winter towing, but otherwise, see the weight discussion.

Okay...that was really long. I am constantly truck shopping, if you couldn't tell

 

[11Charlie]

I love my early 07 Dodge. The Motor is amazing and you can pull absolutely anything. Go do some searching and find a 06-07 diesel that has been taken care of and only pulled a trailer by a retired couple. Make sure you ask about the tranny either get one thats been rebuilt or a manual.

 

[308]

No opinions on the Toyota Tundra iForce V8?
I had one and didn't need the size. It was a pain to park and got 16mpg on it's best day, but it had no problems towing and the interior was pretty nice.

Now we own a 2013 Tacoma...it's decent, but not of the quality I expected from Toyota. It is very boring to drive.

 

[Medic!]

I just drive a little 2005 Titan I bought new.

The transmission is the best part of the truck. Very smooth.
It's a light truck. So 390 foot pounds of torque pushes it along fine. And the exhaust makes a nice burble.

No problems except a break recall replacement at 18.000 miles. A rear axle seal [after warranty] that I replaced along with the bearing in my garage. And a leaking front diff seal I also repaired.

It's only got about 70,000 on it. Mostly from hunting. So some hard miles.
I really like it. The rear diff lock gets me anywhere. And the stereo sounds great getting there.

Really don't see a replacement for it for a long time?
I'm big on maintenance. And change the oil every 3,000. Also replace all other fluids regularly.
I know the history since new. So no questions. Why sell?

 

[ATCclears]

I still have the 2001 F-350 that I bought new with the 7.3L diesel. I'd recommend it if you can find a used one that is in reasonable shape. The 7.3L has been VERY reliable. Wifey uses the truck to tow a horse trailer and 1-2 horses several times per week.

 

[CoastRange57]

I will just be the odd man out here with my over the hill 97 F 250 4x4 Club cab. 170K, 7.3 Powerstroke with the E4OD, which has been completely rebuilt with added steel clutchs, after market trans cooler, airbag. I don't use it for commuting, mostly towing our travel trailer and light hauling. I know the concept of that high a mileage pickup is beyond the understanding of most people, but it is in good condition and will be the last pickup I ever own.

It will bring a 24 travel trailer or my tilt car trailer with a car on it, over the Santiam Pass as fast as I want it to go. I echo the comments about the 03 to 10 Ford 6 liters. Owned one of those and paid the price to fix the engine, $ 6,000 and the lift the cab bullsh*t to get to the second oil pump was unbelievable.

I had 2 Freightliner FL 60 with flatbeds, tool box pipe rack set ups on them. Cummins diesel one had the Allision automatic and the other a 6 speed. Best trucks I ever owned, very reliable and economical to operate. If I was not towing a lot in a pickup, I would probably go with a gas engine.

 

[Cloudrnnr]

I will just be the odd man out here with my over the hill 97 F 250 4x4 Club cab. 170K, 7.3 Powerstroke with the E4OD, which has been completely rebuilt with added steel clutchs, after market trans cooler, airbag.

Not odd man out at all! There is a damned good reason why those particular trucks are so hard to find--one of the best Ford has ever produced!

 

[DB is Here]

It took me 6 months to find the perfect Truck for me, I ended up with my 2001 Dodge Cummins 5-speed with 140k on it. It had a new clutch done by the old owner just prior to his passing and it was very well cared for. I live in the Seattle area but found this truck in the 3 Sisters area of Oregon. It's bone stock and even had the factory turbo brake which is a God send when pulling a load in hilly areas. It handles a 11K lb trailer with ease.

I paid $16k for this one, but it seems you have a much bigger budget than I did.

 

[mjbskwim]

Just because the sales person and the spec sheet says it is so, does not mean it is a good idea. If this was really true you would see a whole lot more of these towing trailers around.

Virtually everyone I know who had F 150's and towed travel trailers, 22 foot boats, toy haulers all went to 3/4 rated pickups or better after one season of butt puckering on stopping and transmission replacements.

One thing to remember if you are pulling a trailer your truck isn't licensed for and you get in a wreck,you could get a big ticket,be blamed for the whole incident,and your insurance may not pay out.
I like be the cummins but the trucks are OK. Not sure about after 2002 but the earlier ones needed attention on the front ends a lot. But they pull anything
Not sure about fords anymore. They always wore out front tires so I quit being a ford guy
And chevies are ,for me,the most comfortable truck out there.
My next diesel will be a duramax
Unless I find a first gen 12 valve for cheap.

 

[DB is Here]

One thing to remember if you are pulling a trailer your truck isn't licensed for and you get in a wreck,you could get a big ticket,be blamed for the whole incident,and your insurance may not pay out.
I like be the cummins but the trucks are OK. Not sure about after 2002 but the earlier ones needed attention on the front ends a lot. But they pull anything
Not sure about fords anymore. They always wore out front tires so I quit being a ford guy
And chevies are ,for me,the most comfortable truck out there.
My next diesel will be a duramax
Unless I find a first gen 12 valve for cheap.

The front ends of most early Dodges do need to be done every 120K miles at least that's been my experience. If you have the funds for the Duramax with the Allison trans it's a beast.

 

[bbbass]

i too have had great success with many used vehicle's throughout the years because back then, i could work on them so I needed no warranty. Nowadays its a totally different scenario with a friggin computer tucked underneath every hood...... I've have always been a Ford man.

I agree. You seen Freightliner or Cat?... There is not a single wire that doesn't carry digital. When I installed a two-way, I had to run straight to the battery or my wiring would kill stuff in the vehicle. Got tired of being yelled at.

Ford man?... I'm so sorry! We don't allow Ford on our block. Actually, I have owned Ford trucks. A 1979 3/4T Camper Special 2wd. Good truck the ride was very stiff but settle down with a camper loaded up or a cord of wood on. Carburation sucked tho. Had to sell it a few years after moving here cuz it wasn't makin it in the snow. Got me a nice 65 Ford with a straight six and put some wood racks on it. That thin tire beast with manual transmission would walk thru the mud holes or climb a tree!!

But I like the Chevy truck ride. I've had all weight ranges and have finally settled on the Duramax, just wish I had the 6spd. But the 5spd is doing everything I ask of it. I especially like the downhill control and autoshifting... no jake brake needed.

 

[Caveman Jim]

I agree. You seen Freightliner or Cat?... There is not a single wire that doesn't carry digital. When I installed a two-way, I had to run straight to the battery or my wiring would kill stuff in the vehicle. Got tired of being yelled at.

Ford man?... I'm so sorry! We don't allow Ford on our block. Actually, I have owned Ford trucks. A 1979 3/4T Camper Special 2wd. Good truck the ride was very stiff but settle down with a camper loaded up or a cord of wood on. Carburation sucked tho. Had to sell it a few years after moving here cuz it wasn't makin it in the snow. Got me a nice 65 Ford with a straight six and put some wood racks on it. That thin tire beast with manual transmission would walk thru the mud holes or climb a tree!!

But I like the Chevy truck ride. I've had all weight ranges and have finally settled on the Duramax, just wish I had the 6spd. But the 5spd is doing everything I ask of it. I especially like the downhill control and autoshifting... no jake brake needed.

Like I always tell people, if ya want a truck buy a Ford, if ya want a car buy a Chevy truck.

All my work & play trucks lasted through my abuse with simple maintenance.

 

[bbbass]

Like I always tell people, if ya want a truck buy a Ford, if ya want a car buy a Chevy truck.

All my work & play trucks lasted through my abuse with simple maintenance.

Depends on the reason for having a truck. We travel, we don't haul bricks, cement, nor lumber.

Maintenance?... My Chevy don need no stinking maintnance!!!

 

[Caveman Jim]

Was that you I seen on the side of the road just the other day?

I haul just about anything you can imagine with the F-350, be it a camper, boat, flatbed trailer by the way has hauled more Chevy's than anything I've hauled on it. I even haul bubblegum too.....
I love my Trucks.....

 

[Sgt Nambu]

I was shopping for a Toyota Tacoma (Taco) last year, 2016. My wife had wanted a truck for years but now I needed to get up to a new climbing area that was ripping my All wheel drive Suburu Forrester up. It had been in the shop twice to fix the under carriage I'd been trashing trying to get over the mini grand canyons in the forest service neglected roads, and we still hadn't made it there yet. The people who say "3rd times a charm" haven't gone into the deep woods for the 3rd attempt and had a rainstorm make the road back all but impassable for the return trip for 2 months. So I was shocked to learn several things on my search for a truck. 1st) Tacomas vaunted, lauded and rarely matched reliability went to totalcrap (per consumer Reports), and that the new Ford F-150 beat it. Was more reliable.

My wife and I went over to buy the Taco and test drove it. The thing shockingly would not accommodate my wifes Asian short legs, and those legs are not getting longer as she ages either. Oh she gamely got in and kicked them around in the air down there in a show of moral support, but the little feet didn't reach the pedals. WTF?!!! I figured Asians would design a car they could drive? I look it up and the Toyota Tacoma trucks are now made in a Tijuana plant. Hmm, pfft, I'd be fine with that otherwise. Back when I picked fruit with nationals from Mexico, most Mexicans were not any bigger than me. They generally worked much, much better (faster, but didn't bruise any fruit), but were not bigger. Regardless, we still wanted a Toyota. For some as yet unexplained reason we then also went and test drove the Ford. Had to have been my wife's call as she's the brains around here.

We went over to the Ford dealer knowing 4 things:

1st) That I wanted a Tacoma as they were more reliable. That trumped (haha, unintentional I assure you as - Tacos are mfg in the Tijuana plant and Fords are made in the revamped Mich. plant) all other attributes, which is why we didn't even consider Chevys or Dodge.

2nd) the MSRP for a F-150 was $10 grand more than the Taco and way out of our price range. We couldn't afford it, so the plan was to look at it, then go buy the Taco and snicker at the idiots who instead choose the best selling US vehicle because it had a cupholder (but no reliability).

3rd) We knew the F-150 was too big, we wanted a small truck. Not large. Small. Both because we live in the city and because that's how my wife rolls. Small. And I'm no Andre the Giant myself.

4th) We hate negotiating for cars. HATTTTTEEEEE IITTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Tacomas had a fixed price. I like that. You pay what they say. It's a bit like the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld. The list for the Toyota, as in the non-negotiable price you would pay, was $35,460. The list for the F-150 that we looked at...did I tell you about the foot pedal button? No? Ho Lee Fook. You press a console button and the brake and the gas pedal move towards you 6 inches or as much as you can tolerate. My wifes feet not only reached but she was comfortable in the driving position in the "big" F-150. Not only that, but the extended cab (2 door) Ford had much better foot room and ergonomics than the 4 door Taco. Much better. Oh, the list price was $45,000 and change for the F-150 with a bunch of crap we didn't need and some we were astounded to learn existed and we needed (foot pedal thing). $10 grand more.

Ho man. The test drive was night and day. Night being the Taco best described as "meh" at best and day being "Wow "totally cush" and easy, quiet or fun for the F-150. The Ford was so much better that I can't even begin to explain it. In all aspects. Later I saw that Consumer Reports had given the Tacoma a horrifically low road test score of 56, and I was thinking, "yup". Still couldn't afford the Ford. So we left the Ford dealer and as we walked past the managers desk literally on the way to the Toyota dealership he said: "you're walking away from $12,000 off MSRP?"

I said? View attachment 333982
Math being a harsh mistress for me I still quickly figured out that $45,000 minus $12,000 was.....

a lot off. So I turn towards the man and spake thusly: "You tellin me that we can get that truck".... (pointing for effect at the truck) "right there, for $12,000 off? Cause if you can do that I'll buy it and buy it right now. $12,000 off, right? "

"Yup" came the response.

So we sat down to buy it. Please refer to #4 above. HATTTTEEE ITTT!!!!! Turns out, they tried to cheat me out of my $12,000 off several times, and in fact I was walking out twice swearing under my breath (I was not joking either). At the end of the day, that truck was purchased for $33,245. Which was $11,750 off MSRP. I'd been concerned about the off road performance, and looked at a bunch of internet info about that. It breezed up there so easy that I almost layed a brown streak in my pants in happiness right there. The grand canyons that had been slapping my Forrester around felt like a paved road in the truck. I still ground the front a few times, and I'd taken off the factory wind damn that's in the front. But having a jacked up truck with 18" tires made a bit of difference. I'll most likely jack it up a bit more soon as that dance with death isn't quite over yet and spring and the rematch for the finale is right around the corner.

So it's a tad over your $30,000 price tag, but I wanted to share it with you anyway. The wife still hasn't driving it, but at least I know that when I have my heart attack out in the woods, if she's with me, we're gonna be heading towards the hospital with her driving instead of me laying there listening to the wailing and nashing of teeth.

Oh, the main point, my truck comes stock to tow 5000 lbs, but thats the limit of the tow bar, not the truck. I have the back up tow thinggy camera and the transmission cooler etc etc to tow all kinds of crap, so the truck will tow more if I change out the stock tow hook up. But my boat only weighs 900 lbs, so I didn't care anything about towing. But that F-150 will easily get to 11,000 lbs if you rig it correctly.

***cough*** edit** cough** I've re-read your needs and see you need 14,000 lbs towing. Please forget everything I just said. I'm an idiot. Good luck!

Well, maybe your an idiot, but that post was very entertaining and informative! Good job!